The social history project Daring to Hope–Irish Religious Sisters Embracing the Unknown 1923-2023, was launched by Caoimhe de Barra, CEO of Trocaire, who gave an inspiring introduction to this photographic exhibition.
The event, in Iveagh House on 2nd October 2023, was hosted by Sean Fleming, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Throughout the past 100 years, Irish Religious Sisters with dedicated colleagues, responded to the call of the Gospel. The story of their courageous response to wide ranging social needs at home and abroad, is told through photos, provided by many religious congregations and societies.
This social history project was the initiative of a voluntary group, who with the support of the AMRI Executive Council, assembled the exhibition and are now sharing it across Ireland.
To date, the exhibition has been on display in Tullamore for the AMRI Leaders; Kylemore Abbey; Cuan Mhuire, Athy; Nano Nagle Centre, Cork and the SMA Parish Centre in Wilton, Cork.
At the invitation of Frances Collins, Irish Ambassador to the Vatican, the exhibition will be displayed in St. Isidore’s Franciscan Friary in Rome, as part of the St. Brigid’s Day celebration.
From there the UISG leadership has arranged for the exhibition to be viewed during an international event in Rome, organised by the Vatican Dicastery for Consecrated Life. In each venue, the photographs reflecting three distinct eras of religious life during the past 100 years, have evoked interesting, honest discussions.